Emily McNamara is a New York-based singer, actress, comic, writer, host, and teacher with deep roots in musical theatre and live entertainment. Her work spans Off-Broadway productions, original musicals, cabaret, nightlife, private events, and high-energy live music.

As a theatre artist, Emily is a creator and book writer of the Broadway musical Gettin’ the Band Back Together, developed with Ken Davenport and The Grundleshotz. Her New York and Off-Broadway credits include A Musical About Star Wars, The Chocolate Show!, NEWSical The Musical, The Awesome 80’s Prom (also co-writer), My Big Gay Italian Wedding, My First Time, The Karaoke Show, and Around the World in 80 Days. She has also appeared on television, including HBO’s Vinyl.

Emily is a familiar presence in New York cabaret and nightlife, having performed at Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, Ars Nova, The York Theatre, The Laurie Beechman Theater, The Comedy Cellar, The Village Underground, and The Duplex, where she co-hosted the MAC Award-nominated Mostly Sondheim. She currently hosts weekly events at Rise Bar in Hell’s Kitchen, bringing her signature mix of humor, music, and crowd connection to karaoke nights, talent shows, and themed performances.

Emily also performs regularly with The Broadway Project Band, a live event band featuring Broadway-trained vocalists and top-tier musicians. With the band, she brings powerhouse vocals and a performer’s instinct to weddings, galas, and private events, covering everything from pop, rock, Motown, and soul to contemporary hits and musical theatre favorites.

A dedicated educator as well as a performer, Emily teaches voice and performance skills to students of all ages, drawing on years of professional stage experience to help singers build confidence, expression, and technical control.

Across every stage, from theatre houses and cabaret rooms to wedding venues and New York nightlife, Emily McNamara brings warmth, wit, versatility, and a genuine love of live performance.